2 Deaths At North Highlands Fire Investigated As Possible Homicides

NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. (CBS13) – Investigators now say the deaths of two people found at the scene of a fire in North Highlands Wednesday evening are being investigated as possible homicides.

Arson investigators as well as detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department are at the home sifting through evidence.  Arson investigators say the fire is definitely suspicious.

The Sacramento Metro Fire Department says the bodies of a 37-year-old Laura Hernandez and 8-year-old Wilfred Villarruel were found after the fire broke out near Stephen Drive and Gay Way on Wednesday evening just before 8 p.m..

The fire apparently started in the garage and then quickly spread, threatening nearby homes.  A neighbor shot video of the fire showing flames shooting 50 feet into the air.

Some neighbors even reported hearing several explosions.

When fire fighters arrived, the fire was so intense, crews couldn't enter the home.

When they were finally able to get inside, they found the two victims.

Detectives are questioning several people who lived in the residence but were not at home at the time of the fire.